Category Archives: Apetizer

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Much like a painter who just starts to paint and creates a unique piece of art, a good cook can whip up something by just starting to cook. I tend to make the best meals when I look at what’s lying around in my cabinets and refrigerator and just go for it. This happens because I have good cooking intuition. For example, one day I was feeling very hungry and knew I had to eat before my Pilates class, but […]

As I started exploring my Polish food memories, there was a moment when I realized many Polish dish names have pretty negative associations. Let’s take “Mizeria”, a simple dinner side dish, which basically translates to “Misery”. Mizeria consists of two main ingredients. Sour cream and green cucumbers. That’s it. The sour cream was sometimes swapped for similar dairy products like kefir, buttermilk or yogurt, if they were available. Or some people used heavy cream instead. To add a boost of […]

Earlier this month I received the unfortunate news that a chef startup that had recruited me back in 2013 is ending its operation in Southern California. Their business idea didn’t quite fit the geographically dispersed LA footprint, so they’ve decided to focus solely on NYC where they’ve been seeing a lot of success. I have to admit, I genuinely enjoyed working with them. Not only did they match me with a good number of awesome jobs that allowed me to […]

Growing up in Poland, I fell in love with homemade sour pickles – especially ones that were naturally fermented. The pickles sold in America are cucumbers preserved in vinegar. My idea of a pickle is a cucumber that’s been naturally fermented in a brine solution. The most common place to find them in the U.S. is at Jewish delis or overpriced foodie spots, but these places usually only give you one, or even just half of a pickle, so I’m […]

I am sure you’ve tried pesto. That old, classic, Italian sauce made out of basil, pine nuts and Parmesan. It was delicious, wasn’t it? Some of you probably don’t even realize that it can be easily made at home in about 5 minutes. And so can be this version of pesto that isn’t as classic as the Italian prototype but just as delicious. This one is made out of arugula, pumpkin seeds and Asiago cheese. Similar in texture ingredients completely […]

The last season of Mad Men starts this Sunday, and well… Not sure about you, but I am definitely going to shed a tear (or two) and need some serious comfort food to get me out of this funk. And no, the average potato chip just is not going to cut it. I will be keeping mid-century mod alive by baking some yummy shortbread cookies. If you aren’t too bummed to invite some friends over, throw a party and watch the final season […]

How about some good, old, home made veggie pickles? Just like our grandmas used to make. You can make them at home, pack in a nice jar and give as a gift. They are perfect alone as a snack, appetizer or an addition to your sandwich or dinner. Polish people say that they are great for hangover. I think you should test that. Quick pickled veggies Shopping List (makes approximately 3/1-pint jars): 1 tsp. coriander seeds 1 tsp. black or […]

Seasons are changing and clothes are getting shorter and tighter. Many ladies have been hiding from the snow under a big cashmere sweater with a big bowl of takeout. It’s time to get our Summer bodies back and it’s totally possible by just eating clean! Here’s a simple garden salad recipe with an easy dressing made from scratch. Let’s get back on our healthy grinds during the weekend, not after. Garden salad with avocado and wasabi dressing Shopping List (serves […]

I’m not a big fanatic of olives, but I always have a jar or a can of this popular delicacy in my kitchen. Why? For several reasons: 1) Almost every person I know likes olives. 2) They are cheap. 3) Don’t go bad fast and stored in a can or jar, always taste just as good. 4) They do not need a long time to process or cook. 5) They are the perfect accompaniment to other dishes like meat, pizza, […]